Portable and adjustable child feeding utensil

ABSTRACT

A portable and adjustable child feeding utensil device comprised of one contiguous segment in combination with a connection means. The contiguous segment has a first end for a utensil; a second end having a notch system for closing the device about the connection means; and a middle portion for adjusting length. The connecting means may be a suction cup apparatus comprised of a base and a ring. The base is attached to a flat surface of a feeding station and the ring is connected to the contiguous segment via the notch system. The connection means may be an adapter loop for use with a feeding station without a flat surface. The adapter loop has a long loop, a short loop, and a solid section separating and closing each loop. The adapter loop is secured to a feeding station, and is further connected to the contiguous segment via the notch system.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention has been created without the sponsorship or funding of any federally sponsored research or development program.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable and adjustable child feeding utensil for use with a child feeding station or system.

BACKGROUND

Babies, infants, or toddlers are notorious for tossing food, food receptacles, and utensils during a feeding session. It is well known that parents and/or caretakers struggle to keep food, bowls, plates, and utensils off the ground during any given feeding session. Parents and caretakers are required to repeatedly pick up these items during a feeding session or have to constantly monitor or feed a child at every meal.

Although others have tackled aspects of this problem, many of the methods or devices include a feeding system with specific mechanism(s) for attaching food receptacles and utensils. In addition, other methods focus on a vacuum cup or suction mechanism under a bowl or cup holding the food, but not much focus on the utensil used to retrieve the food. Further, other methods are limited to specific feeding systems such as highchairs with feeding trays which are used at home or in a home setting. Simply, the prior art does not teach a portable child feeding utensil device nor a combination of a portable and adjustable child feeding utensil device that is securely attached to traditional and/or non-traditional child feeding stations.

The present invention focuses on a device for securely attaching a child feeding utensil to any feeding system, or non-traditional feeding station. The novelty of this device is that it may be used inside or outside of a home setting, meaning it is portable and adaptable to settings such as restaurants, recreational settings, or homes of friends or relatives. The present invention also accommodates feeding systems or feeding stations that do not have a feeding tray or flat surface and are adaptable to non-traditional feeding stations or make-shift feeding stations.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention aims to create a portable and adjustable child feeding utensil device comprised of one contiguous segment made of medical grade BPA free silicone or similar non-toxic, flexible, and malleable material, in combination with a means of connection to a feeding station. The child feeding utensil device is adjustable, having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. At the first end of the child feeding utensil device is a feeding utensil, which may include a fork, spoon, or spork; and at the second end of the child feeding utensil device is a notch system for adjusting the length of the contiguous segment and creating a secure closure. The middle portion facilitates the adjusting of the length of the device upon closure. The notch system of the second end attaches the device to a feeding system, such as a highchair with a feeding tray, by way of the connecting means. In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting means is a suction cup apparatus consisting of a ring connected to a base suction portion or suction cup, whereby the suction cup portion is attached to a tray or flat surface of a highchair or similar child feeding station or non-traditional feeding station; and the second end of the child feeding utensil device is looped through the ring portion of the suction cup portion; and the notch system of the second end is used to secure the second end to the suction cup device. Thus, while a child is eating with the child feeding utensil, the device remains securely fastened to the highchair or non-traditional feeding station.

Another embodiment of this invention accommodates child feeding systems or non-traditional feeding stations that do not have a tray or flat surface. In this embodiment of the invention, the child feeding utensil is connected to the child feeding system by way of an adapter loop apparatus comprising a first end with a long loop, and a second end with a short loop, whereby the two ends are separated by a solid rectangular section which separates the loop from each other and closes each loop of the adapter apparatus. The adapter loop connects the child feeding utensil to a child feeding system or non-traditional feeding station that does not have a tray or flat service. The first end of the adapter loop is connected to the second end of the child feeding utensil device via the notch system, and the two loops of the adapter apparatus are securely interconnected to any extended or arm portion of a child feeding station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the contiguous segment of the present invention, including a fork as the feeding utensil;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the suction means used to connect the contiguous segment of the present invention to a child feeding station;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the contiguous segment of the present invention, including a spoon as the feeding utensil;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the adapter loop means used to connect the contiguous segment of the present invention to a child feeding station;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention as assembled using the suction means of connection to a feeding station; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention as assembled using the adapter loop means of connection to a feeding station.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the subject invention is described further, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described below, as variations of the particular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the art to which this invention belongs will recognize, however, that the techniques described can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

In this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, the present invention comprises a child feeding utensil device 5 having one contiguous segment in combination with a means of connection to a feeding station. The contiguous segment of the child feeding utensil device 5 has a first end 10, a second end 15, and a middle portion 30, which middle portion 30 facilitates the adjustable feature of the invention. Any markings shown in the drawings of the contiguous segment (FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3 and 4 ) are for purposes of illustrating the three sections of the segment, and are not meant to be limiting or indicating non-contiguous sections. The first end 10 of the child feeding utensil device 5 as shown in FIG. 1A, includes a fork as the child feeding utensil. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the first end 10 of the child feeding utensil device 5 may include a spoon, as shown in FIG. 2A, or a spork. The second end 15 of the child feeding utensil device 5 includes a notch system 20, 25 having multiple round holes or punched notches 20 positioned equidistant from each other along the second end 15 of the child feeding utensil device 5; and a raised cylindrical button 25 located close to the tip of the second end 15 of the child feeding utensil device 5. The notch system 20, 25 is closed about a connection means by inserting the raised cylindrical button 25 into the selected punched hole 20. The notch system 20, 25 also functions to adjust the length of the child feeding utensil device 5 and attach it to a connection means 35, 55 (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B respectively) for a secure attachment to a child feeding system or highchair (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or non-traditional station.

In one embodiment of the invention, the connection means is a suction cup apparatus 35 comprising a hollow ring 40 attached to a suction cup base 45, as shown in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 3 , when assembled, the child feeding utensil device 5 is attached to the suction cup apparatus 35 by way of looping the second end 15 of the notch system 20, 25 around the ring 40 of the suction cup apparatus 35. The raised cylindrical button 25 is inserted into the desired punched notch 20 for a secure attachment of the child feeding utensil device 5 to the suction cup apparatus 35. The base 45 of the suction cup apparatus 35 is attached to a flat surface 80 of a child feeding system 85 (highchair with feeding tray) to facilitate the feeding of a child without displacement of the feeding utensil. The suction cup apparatus 35 may be easily removed from the feeding tray at any time by a parent, caretaker, or other adult, but is securely fastened to prevent removal by an infant or toddler. The suction cup apparatus 35 may be used in settings inside and outside of the home depending on the needs of the parent or caregiver. The suction cup apparatus assembly requires a level and smooth flat surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4 , the child feeding utensil device 5 is attached to a child feeding station 90 by a different connection means 55. As shown in FIG. 2B, the connection means 55 of this embodiment of the invention comprises a long loop 60 at one end, a short loop 65 at the opposite end, and solid rectangular section 70 positioned between the two loops which separates and closes each loop 60, 65. The connection means shown in FIG. 2B is also referred to herein as an adapter loop. As shown in FIG. 4 , the adapter loop 55 is used under circumstances where the child feeding station 90 does not have a flat surface to accommodate the suction cup apparatus 35. This connection means is adaptable to non-traditional feeding stations, including but not limited to a highchair without a feeding tray or an ordinary armchair.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the connection means 55 is positioned around the arm or extended portion 95 of a non-traditional feeding station 90 and the short loop 65 is pulled through the long loop 60 for a secure fit around the extended portion 95 of the non-traditional feeding station. As shown in FIG. 4 , the child feeding utensil device 5 is connected to the adapter loop by way of securing the second end 10 of the child feeding utensil device 5 through and around the short loop 65, and inserting the raised cylindrical button 25 into the desired punched notch 20. The desired punched notch 20 is selected in order to adjust the length of the child feeding utensil device 5, making it longer or shorter as needed. The attachment of the child feeding utensil device 5 to the connection means 55 in the manner described ensures a secure connection to the feeding system or non-traditional feeding station and prevents the displacement of the feeding utensil.

The adapter loop 55 is removable and portable. The adapter loop 55 may be easily removed from the feeding system at any time by a parent, caretaker, or other adult, but is securely fastened to prevent removal by an infant or toddler. The adapter loop 55 may be used in settings inside and outside of the home depending on the needs of the parent or caregiver.

In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the child feeding utensil device is made of medical grade BPA free silicone. In other embodiments of the invention the child feeding utensil may be composed of flexible plastic material that is safe for handling by infants, toddlers, or small children. As new materials are developed, the invention may be constructed from non-toxic materials with the same or similar properties as silicone and other plastics, meaning that the material is flexible, malleable, temperature resistant, and water resistant, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs and/or to which this material belongs.

In other embodiments of the invention, the utensil portion 10 of the child feeding utensil device 5 may be detachable and interchangeable. In other embodiments of the invention, the child feeding utensil device 5 may comprise a non-contiguous segment, allowing for the interchanging of a fork, spoon, or spork at the first end 10. The invention would remain portable and adjustable.

Although the invention is designed to function with a child feeding system or non-traditional feeding station, it is adaptable to other applications. The child feeding utensil device 5 may be adapted for use with persons having temporary or permanent disabilities, or limited range of motion, or restricted mobility. In these instances, the utensil device 5 would be secured to a feeding tray or arm of a chair or other apparatus to facilitate a less stressful feeding experience for the individual and/or their caretaker.

Regardless of the application, the child feeding utensil device 5 is portable and adjustable to facilitate use in a setting inside a home or outside of a home, such as at a restaurant, outdoor location, short term care facility, or long term care facility.

As various changes may be made in the above-described subject matter without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention, it is intended that all subject matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings, will be interpreted as descriptive and illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable and adjustable child feeding utensil device comprised of: one contiguous segment having a first end including the utensil, a second end including a notch system, and a middle portion that allows for adjusting the length of the contiguous segment upon assembly; and a connection means that attaches the child feeding utensil device to a feeding station; whereby the notch system of the second end includes a raised cylindrical button positioned adjacent to a row of equidistantly positioned punched holes; and the second end of the device is removably attached to the connecting means, whereby the contiguous segment is looped about the connecting means and the raised cylindrical button is inserted into a punched hole to secure the child feeding utensil device to the connecting means, adjusting the length of the contiguous segment.
 2. The child feeding utensil device in claim 1 whereby the connecting means is a suction cup apparatus, comprising a suction cup base and a ring about which the contiguous segment is looped and securely connected by way of the notch system.
 3. The child feeding utensil device in claim 1 whereby the connecting means is an adapter loop, comprising a long loop at one end, a short loop at the opposite end, and a solid rectangular section in between the two loops that separates and closes each loop; and whereby the short loop is pulled through the long loop about an extended portion of a feeding station; and the short loop is the point of connection of the child feeding utensil device to the feeding station.
 4. The child feeding utensil device in claim 1 whereby all components are comprised of medical grade BPA free material.
 5. The child feeding utensil device in claim 1 whereby all components are comprised of non-toxic, temperature resistant, water resistant, and flexible material. 